Multiple-channel conduit with separate wall elements

Abstract

A multiple channel tube and method of making such a tube. The preferred method includes providing a plurality of wall elements that are elongated in a longitudinal direction and that that have an elongated cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction. The wall elements have opposite lateral sides disposed on opposite ends of an elongate axis of the cross-section. The wall elements are placed between first and second sheet members, and the opposite lateral sides of the wall elements are adhered to the sheet members to provide a plurality of channels defined between the adhered wall elements and the sheet members.

1 . A method of producing a multiple-channel conduit, comprising: 
 providing a plurality of wall elements that are elongated in a longitudinal direction and that have an elongated cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction, the wall elements having opposite lateral sides disposed on opposite ends of an elongate axis of the cross-section; and    adhering the opposite lateral sides of the wall elements to first and second sheet members such that the wall elements are disposed therebetween and defines a plurality of channels between the adhered wall elements and sheet members.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated cross-section has an aspect ration of at least about 1.2.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated cross-section has an aspect ratio of at least about 1.5.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising melting a material to adhere the opposite lateral sides to the sheet members.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the opposite lateral sides are adhered to the sheet members by welding, brazing, or soldering.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the opposite lateral sides are welded to the sheet members by applying an electrical current therebetween in an amount sufficient to melt a portion of the material of each sheet members.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the opposite lateral sides are electrical-resistance welded to the sheet members.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising compressing wire to form the wall elements.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the wire is compressed by roll forming.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wall elements are formed with a welding projection extending laterally at the opposite lateral sides and configured promote welding to the sheet members.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet members are part of a single sheet.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising bending the sheet around an interior space, wherein the wall elements are adhered to the sheet members within the interior space.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising adhering lateral ends of the single sheet to enclose and define one of the channels.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wall elements have a lateral width between the lateral sides of less than about 10 mm.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the sheet members has a sheet thickness of less than about 0.5 mm.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the wall elements and sheet members are made of copper or a copper alloy.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit is formed to provide a heat exchanger.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior of the sheet members adhered to the wall elements is substantially smooth to facilitate sealing to a header.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising bending at least a portion of the assembled conduit with the wall elements disposed at least along bent portion.  
   
   
       20 . A multiple channel heat exchanger, comprising: 
 a plurality of wall elements that are separate from each other and are elongated in a longitudinal direction and that that have an elongated cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction, the wall elements having opposite lateral sides disposed on opposite ends of an elongate axis of the cross-section; and    a sheet surrounding the wall elements;    wherein the opposite lateral sides of the wall elements are adhered to the sheet to provide a plurality of channels defined between the adhered wall elements and the sheet members.    
   
   
       21 . The heat exchanger of  claim 20 , further comprising a weld adhering the lateral sides of the wall elements to the sheet.  
   
   
       22 . The heat exchanger of  claim 20 , further comprising a brazing or solder joint adhering the wall elements to the sheet.  
   
   
       23 . The heat exchanger of  claim 20 , wherein the wall elements have a lateral width between the lateral sides of less than about 10 mm.  
   
   
       24 . The heat exchanger of  claim 20 , wherein the wall elements have a lateral width between the lateral sides of less than about 5 mm.  
   
   
       25 . A multiple-channel conduit, comprising a tube that comprises comprising: 
 a cross-section with a major and a minor diameter;    bend portions that are bent about a radius with a parallel dimension of the cross-section being parallel to said radius; and    channel partitions that define channels within the tube, wherein the partitions are provided in the bend portions    
   
   
       26 . The conduit of  claim 25 , wherein the radius is less than about 10 times the parallel dimension, and the conduit is configured along a serpentine pattern.